Developer loses bid to build up to 170 homes in Newport

Redrow Homes wanted outline planning permission to build the properties on land east of Kestrel Close and Beechfields Way.

But passionate objections were voiced by residents during a public inquiry held at the Ramada Hotel in Telford last year.

It came after Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning committee indicated it would refuse the plans due to the site being in countryside, veteran oak trees could be lost and insufficient information was received.

Revised plans were submitted but later withdrawn.

The proposals were met with widespread objection from the community.

It has now been revealed that planning inspector David Rose has dismissed the appeal and planning permission has been refused.

In a notice outlining the refusal, Mr Rose said the council has in excess of a five-year housing land supply and there are "no exceptional circumstances to justify the provision of new housing in this location".

He also states that the proposal would result in the likely loss of two protected veteran oak trees that have a high ecological and amenity value.

Highway concerns were also cited as a reason for refusal.

In the report, he said: "Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that the development can be accommodated within the existing highway network without the need for mitigation.

"In addition the proposal would result in approximately 170 dwellings being accessed from a single point of access which would represent an unacceptable form of development.

"Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that the quantity of development proposed can be accommodated on the site without it having a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the wider landscape."

He went on to say that there was also insufficient information to demonstrate that the development could provide acceptable living standards for potential future occupiers, with regard to noise pollution from traffic travelling along the A41.

Residents had raised concerns about transport links, access issues, the amount of wildlife on the site and the loss of a space popular with dog walkers and ramblers.

At the public inquiry, Christopher Young, representing Redrow Homes, said it was a “logical place” to locate housing.

He had claimed the council had a “real problem” with the delivery of affordable homes and said any noise issues could be mitigated by walls and fencing.

He also argued that the council did not have a five year housing land supply.